Benjamin Faconnier is a French-Reunionese trumpet player, singer and music composer born in Perpignan, France. He started playing the trumpet at the age of 17, and it was at the Montpellier conservatory, where he graduated in jazz, that he developed a real interest for improvisation, and for the in-depth study of his instrument.
During these years, Benjamin has participated in numerous studio sessions, recording on 16 albums (the last one being his own composition project), and has also performed extensively with various projects he has been a part of, either in his own name or in formations such as The Unknown project (Original Cinematic Concept), The Skamanians (Original Ska), The Carolina Reapers Swing (Swing), L’Orchestre Syncopatique (New Orleans), and more recently the GROô (under the direction of Fred Pallem), to name a few.
He has also acquired experience during tours and one-off concerts in France and abroad: Reunion Island, Belgium, Spain, Switzerland, Germany, Finland, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Bulgaria, Tunisia, South Africa and the United Kingdom. Benjamin draws his inspiration from the music of African- American masters such as Miles Davis and Thelonious Monk, from more contemporary musicians such as Roy Hargrove, Ambrose Akinmusire, Xian (Christian Scott) Atunde Adjuah, but also from Maloya, the traditional music of Reunion Island and its African roots, where he is originally from.
All this, leads Benjamin today to lead his first composition project: Papillon.
Nicolas Beaulieu is one of the most active and sought-after guitarists on the Réunion Island music scene (Baster, Frédéric Joron, Tine Poppy, Tikok Vellaye). He graduated from the Music Academy International and the Centre des Musiques Didier Lockwood, and earned his Jazz DEM (Diploma of Musical Studies) at the Conservatoire à Rayonnement Régional of Réunion in 2012.
Versatile and open-minded, he thrives in all musical styles—from contemporary music to traditional genres. A passionate jazz musician, he has performed with Luc Joly, Olivier Ker Ourio, François Jeanneau, Michel Boss, Pierre Eden Guilbaud, Rémy Chaudagne, and Philippe Thomas.
Mishko M’Ba is a French bassist, pianist, composer, and producer. After studying Western classical music in Toulouse, he shifted his focus to jazz and rock, thus expanding his musical repertoire. In 1990, he formed the jazz trio A3 with Yvo Abadi (drums) and Pierre-Michel Sivadier (piano). Together, they composed the album Les Fous Du Large.
Known for his unique playing style, Mishko M’Ba has toured worldwide, in the Americas, Europe, and Asia, with bands of various musical genres. He has collaborated with renowned artists such as Ziskakan, Lucky Ali, Ray Charles, Barbara Hendricks, Khaled, Didier Lockwood, and many others. In 1998, he produced, arranged, and composed part of the album Les Voix De La Liberté, a project commemorating the 150th anniversary of the abolition of slavery, in partnership with UNESCO, Canal+, and the French department of La Réunion.
Mishko M’Ba has also worked with many French artists, including Johnny Hallyday, Florent Pagny, Zazie, Guesh Patti, Charles Aznavour, Pascal Obispo, and Michel Delpech. He was also a member of the Paris Ensemble Elixir with Raul De Souza. On the international stage, he has collaborated with icons such as Dee Dee Bridgewater, Khaled, and Paco Sery.
Valentin Suzanne is a rising talent among the new generation of Reunionese drummers. A graduate of EMA (École des Musiques Actuelles), he draws his inspiration from the modern American scene, bringing a fresh, contemporary edge to the band’s sound. Valentin already has solid experience across a wide range of styles, including reggae, rock, and pop. His versatile groove, sharp musical instincts, and creative energy make him a key force in shaping the modern identity of the project.
Sandy Nida is a percussionist from Réunion Island, firmly grounded in the traditions of Maloya music. Deeply connected to his cultural roots, he is an active member of several projects, including Mélanz Nasyon and Marmay Lakour, through which he contributes to the preservation and evolution of Réunionese musical heritage.
Alongside his work in traditional music, Sandy Nida collaborates with a wide range of artists across different genres. He is notably involved in The Papillon Project, where he brings the organic rhythms and textures of Maloya into a contemporary fusion context. His playing bridges tradition and modernity, enriching each project with a strong sense of identity and groove.
Committed to sharing his knowledge, Sandy Nida is also a dedicated music educator. He teaches in various schools and has extensive experience in transmitting Réunionese traditional music to new generations, combining pedagogy with a deep respect for cultural heritage.
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